A Public Service Announcement from 1896

On behalf of the Women’s Rescue League, we here at Forgotten Stories wish to circulate the following letter:

To Whom It May Concern:

At a Regular meeting of the Woman’s Rescue League, held June 29, 1896, the following whereases and resolutions were passed:

Whereas, the alarming increase of immorality among young women in the United States is most startling to those who have investigated the subject of disease and vice.

Whereas, a great curse has been inflicted on the people of this country because of the present bicycle craze, and if a halt is not called soon, 75 per cent of the cyclists will be an army of invalids within the next ten years.

Whereas, disease among the young women is most appalling because of the imprudent use of the bicycle, by bringing the diseases peculiar to women. Furthermore, immoderate bicycling by young women is to be deplored because of the evil associations and opportunities offered cycling sports.

Whereas, bicycling by young women has helped swell the ranks of reckless girls who finally drift into the standing army of outcast women of the United States more than any other medium.

Whereas, “Bicycle run for Christ” by the so called Christians should be properly termed “Bicycle run for Satan” for the bicycle is the devil’s advocate agent morally and physically in thousands of instances; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Woman’s Rescue League denounces bicycle riding by young women because of producing immoral suggestions and imprudent associations both in language and dress which have a tendency to make women not only unwomanly, but immodest as well.

Resolved, that married women should not resort to riding the wheel unless they wish to prevent motherhood; and be it further

Resolved, that the Woman’s Rescue league petition all true women and clergymen to aid in denouncing the present bicycle craze by women as indecent and vulgar; and be it further

Resolved, that copies of these resolutions be sent where they will do the most effective good for the cause of purity and morality.

Charlotte Smith,

President, Woman’s Rescue League, WashingtonD.C.

Virginia N. Lount,

Secretary, Legislation Committee

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